For more information, please contact: Brad Nunley in the Planning and Zoning Department at 304.696.4433, or email nunleyb@cityofhuntington.com

Creation of Historic Preservation Districts

The Commission may recommend that an area of at least half of a city block be designated a Historic Preservation District. The recommendation of the Commission is submitted to the Planning Commission in the form of an application. The Planning Commission will hold a public hearing to discuss the application. If approved by the Planning Commission, the application moves forward to City Council. City Council will take action on the application. Upon approval of Council of an ordinance designating an area of the City as a Historic Preservation District, the Commission will inform the County Assessor of the change.

Review of Proposed Alterations

Prior to the alteration, movement, demolition, repair, or other change in the exterior of any structure located within an area which has been designated an Historic Preservation District or the construction of any new structure on property located within such a district, the owner shall submit an application to the Commission for a Certificate of Appropriateness which shall include the following:

Detailed plans, depicting the exact work to be performed, including detailed renderings of the exterior structures.

A statement of the relationship of the proposed work to the standards for approval of Certificates of Appropriateness as set forth

Such other information as may be required from time to time by the appropriate municipal reviewing agency official

What is a Variance?

If the regulations of a Historic Preservation District cause undue hardship to an individual, the Commission has the power to modify or change the application of the regulations. A Variance of the regulations can only be issued if the Commission finds the Variance will not seriously affect neighboring properties or the Historic Preservation District as a whole.

What is an Appeal?

Any property owner aggrieved by an action or decision of the Commission concerning his application for a Certificate of Appropriateness may appeal the same to the Board of Zoning Appeals.